SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and treatment centers in the Ilocos Region went beyond hospital walls to promote infection prevention and control (IPC) during a week-long campaign from July 8–12, 2024.
This initiative coincided with the national celebration of “Infection Prevention Control Week,” which emphasizes the importance of preventing disease transmission.
The campaign involved the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers in Dagupan and La Union, the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center, and the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center.
The DOH focused on educating various sectors, including schools, communities, drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and persons deprived of liberty.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness and understanding of handwashing with soap, the most effective and affordable way to prevent illnesses.
Teams of health professionals not only distributed hygiene kits but also conducted interactive sessions.
They demonstrated proper handwashing techniques and explained when and how often handwashing is necessary.
The DOH also held a “Kapihan sa DOH” forum with media representatives to discuss healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and promote effective prevention strategies.
This forum fostered open communication and raised public awareness about HAIs.
“The DOH, including its hospitals and treatment centers, is committed to promoting good hand hygiene practices among our personnel and sharing them with the community,” stated DOH-Region 1 Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco.
Director Sydiongco emphasized the importance of individual responsibility.
“It’s crucial for everyone to learn the proper handwashing technique. By making it a habit and sharing it with others, we can prevent disease-causing germs from spreading,” she said.
She further highlighted the long-term benefits, saying, “Raising awareness and educating people on IPC helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensures quality healthcare delivery. Additionally, it encourages healthy practices like regular handwashing, proper mask use, and social distancing.”
This year’s IPC Week campaign underscores the vital role of IPC as the health department moves beyond the recent pandemic.
The theme, “Together, WE stand against HAI: Protecting Everyone!” emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare workers and the community to prevent infections. (AMB/PIA Region 1)
